An Eye to the Future: How the Commercial Printing Industry Has Evolved
The printing industry is often seen as a holdover from another time; namely, a time before the digital age took over society and the Internet usurped print as our primary means of sending and receiving information. Yet, as almost any company or individual entrepreneur will tell you, print marketing is still a viable way to advertise a business or event. Print media like postcards, flyers, table tents and more are extremely affordable, and they offer consumers a uniquely tangible experience that simply can’t be duplicated on a computer screen. But the commercial printing industry has done more than stand the test of time; it has actually evolved and improved over the years. If you think commercial printing still means outdated manufacturing methods and environmentally unfriendly corporate practices, you have a lot to learn!
One of the most notable recent developments in the commercial printing sector has been the creation and implementation of soy-based inks in the printing process. Originally, most inks were petroleum-based, which was detrimental to the environment for two reasons: First, because petroleum is a non-renewable resource, and second, because using such ink can lead to the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere. These VOCs are harmful to living organisms, including humans, and contribute to pollution. Vegetable inks – including soy-based inks – have an extremely low emission rate when it comes to VOCs, and they are made from a completely renewable resource. If you’re concerned that choosing soy ink will lead to a reduction in the quality of your printed product, don’t be – soy inks can actually create the same smooth, uniform, professional look as their petroleum-based counterparts.
Another area in which the commercial printing industry has changed drastically pertains to the way in which the printing process itself is handled. While in the past, physical plates would need to be developed using potentially hazardous chemicals and creating unnecessary waste before an order could be sent to press, most printing companies now rely on digital printing methods. Digital printing is more efficient and environmentally sound, and it carries the added bonus of reducing printing costs. Why? Because printing companies no longer need to go to the trouble of creating new plates and maintaining large presses. As a result, they are able to keep their expenses low, and lower their prices in turn. This is part of the reason why print marketing offers one of the most cost-effective advertising methods available today.
Perhaps the biggest change in the commercial print shop industry as a whole can be summed up in just two words: Ecological responsibility. More companies than ever before are making great strides toward completely reinventing the printing sector as an industry that is both relevant and responsible. Commercial printers now make it a priority to offer customers “green” options (like recycled paper or soy ink), reduce their company’s carbon footprint, and obtain paper from suppliers with earth-friendly practices in place. In the future, the commercial printing industry is sure to continue growing and changing with the times, supplying businesses with a viable method of promotion for many generations to come.
